Talking points: Ukraine
25-Feb-2022
 
Many Rotarians wonder about Rotary International's position on recent events in Ukraine. Col. Jim Quick provided illumination on this issue. 
 
The Talking Points document mentions a few ways that Rotarians can help including by supporting Shelter Box. 
  • We are saddened by the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship being inflicted in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and citizens of Ukraine coping with the events that have unfolded in the country.
  • As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. 
  • We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian troops, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue. 
  • In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peacebuilding projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence.
  • Our clubs will mobilize everything in their power to bring aid, comfort, and peace to the region and we are collaborating with our partners to ensure that we effectively provide support to meet both the current humanitarian needs and to help strengthen Ukraine’s resiliency in the future.
  • We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
  • ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
 
  • As more information becomes available, we will advise how members can provide humanitarian relief to the people of Ukraine on MyRotary.org.
  • Contact Alison Sutherland, Director, Rotary Action Group for Peace at ypalison@yahoo.co.uk for more information on the petition.  
 
 
 
 
Q&A
 
Q: What is happening in Ukraine?
 
  • On February 24, 2022 Russia launched a major military operation against Ukraine; Ukrainian officials are calling the latest events “an invasion”.
 
  • This military operation was preceded by eight years of active fighting that has had profound consequences for the people of Ukraine.
 
  • As of 2022, the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner estimates that about 14,200-14,400 people have been killed during the conflict.  
 
Q: What are the humanitarian needs in Ukraine?
 
  • Events in Ukraine are fast-moving and changing rapidly.
 
  • It is unclear how much further this conflict will develop – and the extent, scale and type of needs.
 
  • Since the beginning of the crisis in 2014, the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner estimates that about 14,200-14,400 people have been killed, and the Ukrainian Government estimates more than 1.6 million people from Crimea and the Donbas have fled their homes and become displaced within Ukraine. Some 3 million remain in the territories controlled by armed militia forces.
 
  • Entire communities in the region have fallen into poverty with a high proportion of those affected being elderly
 
  • Livelihoods and access to basic services such as heating and water have been disrupted.
 
  • Ukraine hosts significant refugee populations from countries such as Afghanistan.
 
Q: How can we help the people of Ukraine through Rotary?
 
  • Rotary International will do everything in its power – through our Rotary connections and partners - to bring aid, support, and peace to the region. 
 
  • We are in contact with ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response that provides emergency shelter and essential supplies.
 
  • We are also in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees - USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries. We will advise how members can provide humanitarian relief to the people of Ukraine as soon as we know the greatest needs and understand the best way to provide our assistance.
 
Q: What is the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Ukraine?
  • There have been more than 100,000 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.
 
  • Although the reported number of coronavirus infections are decreasing in Ukraine, there are still more than 26,000 new infections being reported on average each day.
 
  • The country’s healthcare system has faced significant shortages of supplies including masks, respirators, rapid tests, hospital beds and oxygen.
 
Q: Why is Rotary weighing in on geopolitical matters?
 
  • Our call for an immediate cease fire and a restoration of diplomatic efforts is not about politics, it’s about safety and humanity.
 
  • There were already significant humanitarian needs in Ukraine and these are set to increase.
 
  • Violence and armed conflict are not a good option for resolving disputes among nations and peoples. 
 
  • We believe lasting, positive change can only be achieved in an inclusive, just and non-violent manner.
 
Q: How is the military operation against Ukraine relevant to Rotary?
 
  • As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made promoting peace the cornerstone of our global mission. 
 
  • Everything we do leads to creating environments where peace can happen.  From fighting disease to supporting education – our work directly builds the optimal conditions for more peaceful and resilient societies. 
  • Rotary members are addressing the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.  
 
  • In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peacebuilding projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence.
 
Q: What is Rotary’s presence in Ukraine?
  • Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the armed conflict in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (collectively known as the Donbas) have hindered Rotary’s development in those regions of Ukraine.
 
  • In the rest of Ukraine, Rotary has undergone robust growth. Since 2014, Rotary has grown from 49 to 62 clubs with an additional six satellite clubs. Membership has increased from 800 to 1,100.
 
  • There are currently 24 Rotaract clubs in 10 cities in Ukraine with more than 300 members.
 
Q: How have Rotary clubs in Ukraine served communities and promoted peace?
  • In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peacebuilding projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence.
 
  • In Ukraine, Rotarians from Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, and the conflict areas of Donetsk helped people who had fled the war, as did Rotarians from Moscow and Krasnodar in Russia.
 
  • Rotary members sent groceries, baby food, and clothing; others sent personal care products and medicine. They also organized logistics to help refugee resettlement, served meals, distributed gifts, books, and clothes to people in the disputed territories and, in the evening, delivered grocery packages to large families.
 
  • The Rotary Clubs of Lviv and Sloviansk organized a mobile dental practice.
  • Other club projects include replenishing libraries with modern literature, sponsoring sports teams, and funding kindergarten classes for children living with visual, mental, and musculoskeletal disorders.
 
  • Many clubs in Ukraine have initiated their own projects to bring peace to the country.
 
  • Rotary clubs in Ukraine have provided medical and psychological assistance to victims of the conflict and have supported the internally displaced population, while also delivering relief supplies to those who live in frontline territories.
 
Q: What is Rotary’s presence in Russia?
 
  • In 1990, the first Rotary club was established in Moscow. As of today, there are 80 Rotary clubs in Russia and 1,067 members involved in community service like providing books for orphanages, playgrounds and equipment for disabled children, and support for hospices along with other projects.